Romualdez said the filing of House Resolution (HR) No. 1304 filed by Negros Occidental Rep. Albee Benitez, one of the leaders of the Visayan bloc, was very timely because The Philippine Arena serves as an inspiration and could be used as challenge by the Aquino administration to address various problems besetting the country’s sports.

“This is a very timely commendation and the House of Representatives is expected to adopt it very soon,” Romualdez stressed.

In his resolution, Benitez said The Philippine Arena “has definitely brought great pride to the country as it puts the Philippines in the map for having a world-class and globally competitive structure.”

“The Philippine Arena will have a socio-economic impact given the opportunities it will create in terms of tourism, job generation, youth development and sports advancement as it will open up possibilities of hosting bigger sports tournaments and international events in the said venue,” said Benitez.

Earlier, Romualdez lauded the INC for its successful inauguration last July 20 of The Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

“If the INC can come up with a monument to Philippine sports like The Philippine Arena, there’s no reason why the government cannot. The government has more than enough manpower, finances and resources to do so,” Romualdez stressed, adding that The Philippine Arena should serve both as challenge and inspiration to the government and national sports officials to solve the problems of Philippine sports.

Romualdez described The Philippine Arena as an indisputable proof of Filipino unity and determination.